Inca Trail Tips

Inca Trail Tips.- Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best trekking destinations in the world – and it’s fully open for business after 1960. So what do you need to know before you go?

Inca Trail Tips

The best time to visit is April through September. Sure, it’s the busy season (especially June to August), but it’s also the dry season. And trust us, you don’t want to visit during rainy season!… Note that the Classic Inca Trail is closed February.

Make your Classic Inca Trail reservations several months in advance – up to a year if you’re going during peak season. You can only visit with a licensed agency, and spots book up quickly.

Choose your trekking agency carefully. Shop around and ask lots of questions: what you’ll have to carry, how many people to a tent, how many porters for the group, if there are arrangements for special diets. It’s worth paying more for a reputable agency that treats its porters well and respects the environment. We’ve recommended a tour we like at the end of this article.

No matter what time of year, the trail gets cold at night. Bring a warm sleeping bag and layer your clothes.

Take a stash of small Peruvian currency for buying bottled water and snacks along the way, as well as for tipping the guide, cook and porters.

If you can’t get an Classic Inca Trail reservation, don’t despair. There’s always Kuélap as an excellent alternative or you can check out the Lares Trek or the Salkantay Trek. Stop by South American Explorers for an information packet.Altitude sickness is serious and can ruin your trip. The biggest mistake you can make is to fly directly to Cuzco (3326m/10,910ft) and expect to hike the next day. Give yourself a few days to adjust to the altitude first.

Inca Trail Tips

Suggested Classic Inca Trail Packing List:

Backpack (65 liters should be quite sufficient).

Comfortable walking boots with good ankle support.

Sleeping bag (can be rented in our office).

Adequate Clothes.

2 pairs of long trousers (lightweight).

2 T-shirts.

1 short-sleeved shirt.

1 long-sleeved shirt.

1 pair of shorts.

Underwear and socks (thermal underwear is highly recommended, being light, warm and makes good nightwear on cold nights).

Fleece jacket.

Rain jacket or poncho.

Hat or cap to protect from the sun.

Toiletries: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste & toilet paper etc.

Sun cream, lip salve, sun glasses.

Flashlight.

Basic first aid kit.

Insect repellent.

Money belt + passport + emergency money.

Camera + film (film can easily be bought in Peru and is of excellent quality).

Water bottle (mineral water can be bought throughout Peru).

Water purification tablets (Micropur tablets can be bought in Cusco and are very efficient).

Walking sticks.

Essential Items for Classic Inca Trail

Duffel bag – large enough for all climbing gear and clothing. To be carried by the porters. An extra bag to be left at the hotel with extra gear